From Highland mountain tops to woodland walks, step out with Active Outdoors
Looking back through some of the routes we’ve covered in Active Outdoors over the past 12 months, it strikes me anew what a beautiful part of the world the Highlands is.
I’ve been lucky to explore far and wide during 2024, with wonderful walks in Wick, mountain adventures in Torridon and beyond, biking trips near to home and further afield and one or two events thrown in for good measure.
There’s even been a little bit of time on the water and plenty of family walks. At this time of year, we’re planning how to enjoy some outdoor time over the Christmas and New Year period, and have a few fun ideas up our sleeves – some of which might even make it into Active Outdoors in 2025!
I was really pleased this year to finally get up Beinn Alligin and complete the traverse of the Horns of Alligin, a route that I’d been meaning to do with Peter Evans for many years but somehow we’d not coordinated until now.
Another mountain route I did earlier in the year was the remote pair of Munros, Lurg Mhor and Bidein a’ Choire Sheasgaich – after a hefty bike ride to the base of the hills, we saw very little during a soggy hike, but it was still great to be out in the wilds.
Wherever you go, there’s nature to be found and plenty of history to discover. A walk up Dunbeath Strath is always enjoyable and I went for a fine evening stroll there in the summer, while Glen Affric is a great place to just wander and listen to the sounds of the birds in the trees.
I’ve had the chance to enjoy some time on the bike, from road rides to mountain biking adventures, and in the autumn I completed my mountain bike leadership Level 2 training. I’ll be putting my riding skills to the test in a few weeks when I take part in the Strathpuffer again, as part of a team of four.
Among the events I’ve taken part in during 2024 was the 40th staging of the Highland Cross, which it has been a real honour to be involved in and report on. I also enjoyed the 10th anniversary of the Etape Loch Ness, an event that always has a great atmosphere as you cycle around the loch on closed roads in the springtime.
The biggest achievement was when Meg and I entered the Loch Ness 24 endurance running event in August, and unexpectedly came away with a prize as the 2nd mixed pairs team in the event, completing 29 laps of the four-mile circuit at Aldourie in the 24 hours – running more than 60 miles each!
That was a definite first for both of us, and something that has spurred us on to do more long-distance running as we look ahead to next year.
With plenty to look forward to, next week in Active Outdoors we will bring you the first part of our 2025 events list, covering a huge number of fantastic events taking place across the Highlands, Moray and further afield.
With a few new events launched as well as some classics that continue to thrive, it’s sure to inspire you to aim high in the new year.
Wishing all of our readers a very Merry Christmas – enjoy heading for the great outdoors this festive season and beyond.
Related articles:
• Caithness coastal walk offers a lighter look at medieval castle
• What it’s like to run through the night at the Loch Ness 24
• Head in the clouds on dramatic Torridon scramble
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